Title: The General
A.F.I. Ranking: 18
Director: Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton
Starring: Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Charles Henry Smith
Release Year: 1926
Brief Synopsis: When Johnnie Gray tries to enlist to fight for the Confederates during the American Civil War, he is rejected b because it is thought he would be of more use at his regular job as an engineer on a locomotive. Annabelle, his girlfriend, doesn’t believe that he tried to enlist and dumps him because she thinks he is a coward. A year later Johnnie’s locomotive is hijacked with his girl inside, so he sets off to rescue both his train and girl and in the process uncovers some useful information from the hijackers.
My Thoughts: I came into this movie knowing I would not like it, but I was wrong. I loved it! The reason why I didn’t think I would like it is because I have tried to watch old silent films before and have gotten bored twenty minutes in and turned them off. I didn’t take my eyes off of the screen the whole time this movie was playing. It is non-stop action the entire time. Buster Keaton’s character is such a goofball that you can’t help but love him. Although Keaton is great the best thing about this movie for me was the score. The music was so great, that twice I turned it up. It is hard pounding music to go with the crazy train chases that you wouldn’t expect to hear in a 1920s film. What made this movie interesting for me was afterwards I did some reading and found out that Buster Keaton did all of his own stunts, amazing when you see some of the crazy things he does jumping on and off of moving trains. This is nothing that I am sure would happen with the stars of today. The best compliment I can give this movie is that half way through I completely forgot the characters weren’t talking.
“After a nice, quiet, refreshing night's rest…”
Rating: Top of the List!
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Great post, and I really like the set-up of the way you do the posts: synopsis, your thoughts, and the rating you'd give in regards to the AFI list. VERY well-done, and am so glad to see you back to reviewing films in ANY capacity! Happy Dance!
ReplyDeleteBuster Keaton was amazing. Back then people in film had to be truly ingenious to portray interesting chracters in spite of technological restraints. I'm glad you were able to enjoy this. I think I saw this in my college film class. I'd love to see it again.
ReplyDeleteBecause of You, I'll definitely be seeing this film in the near future, Sal! The story sounds like nothing I've heard before, and the way you talk about the music makes me so excited to see it! -Brittany
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